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Biting is normal in young kids and doesn’t mean your child will grow up to have behavioral problems, says Jennifer Kolari, author of Connected Parenting. Here’s what to do if your baby is a biter.

Why kids bite

• Infants: teething infants sometimes bite to relieve the pressure on their gums

• Toddlers: At around one year, children may bite simply because it’s part of the way they’re exploring the world. But by age two, biting is more likely due to a lack of impulse or emotion control and usually occurs when kids are frustrated or distressed.

• Preschoolers: Biting usually peaks around age three, but can last until ages four or five, especially with boys. “Boys tend to be a little more aggressive and interact with the world in a more physical way,” says Kolari.